Investigating how prenatal stress affects brain development through tryptophan metabolism
Official title: Orchestrating tryptophan metabolites to protect neurodevelopment from prenatal stress
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10729325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how stress during pregnancy affects moms and their babies, especially how it changes the good bacteria in the mom's gut and how that might influence the baby's brain development, with the goal of finding ways to help reduce stress and improve mental health for kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 8, 2024 |
| Project end | March 7, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $734,650 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH134121-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10729325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals experiencing high levels of stress and their offspring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those whose pregnancies are not affected by stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of prenatal stress on both mothers and their developing fetuses, particularly focusing on how stress alters the maternal gut microbiome and its subsequent effects on neurodevelopment. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which changes in tryptophan metabolism, influenced by maternal gut bacteria, can lead to psychiatric disorders in offspring. By examining specific metabolites produced from tryptophan, the research seeks to identify potential interventions during critical periods of fetal development. Patients may benefit from insights into how prenatal stress can be mitigated to improve mental health outcomes for children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing psychiatric disorders in children exposed to prenatal stress.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the link between maternal health, gut microbiome, and fetal brain development, suggesting this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gur, Tamar — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Gur, Tamar
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.